Backgrounds
In Dungeons & Dragons, backgrounds are more than just a character detail—they are the foundation of your hero’s story. A background defines who your character was before they ever picked up a sword, cast a spell, or answered the call to adventure. Whether you were a wandering folk hero, a disciplined soldier, a curious sage, or a cunning criminal, your background shapes your perspective, motivations, and role within the party.
Each background in Dungeons & Dragons provides a rich blend of storytelling and gameplay elements. You’ll gain skill proficiencies, tool proficiencies, starting equipment, and unique features that can influence how you interact with the world. More importantly, backgrounds help bring your character to life by offering personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws—giving you a framework to roleplay in a meaningful and immersive way.
From the dusty roads of a traveling entertainer to the shadowy dealings of an urban spy, backgrounds allow players to step into fully realized characters with histories that matter. They encourage creativity, deepen roleplaying, and create connections between your character and the game world.
No matter your class or race, your background is where your story truly begins.
Ability Scores: A background lists three of your character’s ability scores. Increase one by 2 and another one by 1 or increase all 3 by 1. None of these can raise a score above 20.
Feat: A background gives your character a specified origin feat.
Skill Proficiencies: A background gives your character proficiency in two specified skills.
Tool Proficiencies: A background gives a character proficiency with one tool – either a specified tool or one chosen from the artisans tools category.
Equipment: Each background offers a choice between a package of equipment and 50gp